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Merissa (11784 KP) created a post
Mar 27, 2024
Hazel (2934 KP) rated The Hanged Man (The Bone Field #2) in Books
Jan 12, 2018
Once again, I am not disappointed by one of Simons books. This, the second in this series, is another gritty and exciting read but I would recommend you read the first otherwise I think you will feel a little lost but its not totally essential as there are enough recaps to help you keep up with the story.
The books does contain a lot of violence you have been warned however, it does deal with a particularly distasteful subject and equally distasteful people so you cant expect it to be all warm and fluffy!
I know I have said it before but, I think, one of Simons strengths is the creation of believable characters that you begin to care about DI Ray Mason is one of those however, hes not all sweetness and light as you will see in this book and so begins the struggle in my head about whether I should be rooting for him or not! I cannot question his dedication and drive to bring miscreants to justice however, the way he does it is questionable and, if Im honest, a little OTT.
Private Investigator and former Police Officer Tina Boyd is another returning character she is my all-time favourite female protagonist being loyal, brave, feisty and determined and she delivers on all fronts in this book.
Overall, this book is packed with action throughout; it may not be the complex of story lines in the world but it kept me reading with enthusiasm and going back for more and I definitely look forward to the next in the series.
A big thanks to the publisher (Randomhouse UK, Cornerstone) and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest and unbiased review.
The books does contain a lot of violence you have been warned however, it does deal with a particularly distasteful subject and equally distasteful people so you cant expect it to be all warm and fluffy!
I know I have said it before but, I think, one of Simons strengths is the creation of believable characters that you begin to care about DI Ray Mason is one of those however, hes not all sweetness and light as you will see in this book and so begins the struggle in my head about whether I should be rooting for him or not! I cannot question his dedication and drive to bring miscreants to justice however, the way he does it is questionable and, if Im honest, a little OTT.
Private Investigator and former Police Officer Tina Boyd is another returning character she is my all-time favourite female protagonist being loyal, brave, feisty and determined and she delivers on all fronts in this book.
Overall, this book is packed with action throughout; it may not be the complex of story lines in the world but it kept me reading with enthusiasm and going back for more and I definitely look forward to the next in the series.
A big thanks to the publisher (Randomhouse UK, Cornerstone) and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest and unbiased review.
Billie Wichkan (118 KP) rated Turning Secrets (Stonechild and Rouleau Mystery, #6) in Books
Mar 15, 2019
Keeping secrets is a very bad idea.
Former teenage runaway and new single mother Nadia Armstrong moves to Kingston to turn her life around. But six months after she rents a low-end apartment, her body is found on a concrete slab at an isolated construction site. Major Crimes begins piecing together her last days, uncertain if this is a case of suicide or murder. To make matters more difficult, a member of the team is leaking information to reporter Marci Stokes, putting Staff Sergeant Rouleau in a precarious position.
Meanwhile, Officer Kala Stonechilds niece, Dawn, is secretly corresponding with her father, whos out on early parole. Dawn isnt sure what he wants, especially when he turns up in town uninvited. Dawns friend Vanessa is also keeping a dangerous secret her relationship with an older man named Leo, who preys on young girls. And its not long before he has Dawn in his sights.
*Disclosure - I received a free copy for purposes of an honest review; Thank you NetGalley and Dundurn for the eARC.*
I have not read any other books in this series and this has not hindered me in any way with how I was able to pick up with the already established characters. The author did a great job of giving me just enough to give the story depth with back story tidbits.
This book has plenty of twists and turns to it to keep you engrossed from the start. I like the story-line of this book and it had relevant topics; sadly things that are happening daily in our world.
I dont want to give too much away to the story-line but will say completely hooked me and a very surprise ending but also sad.
Will be reading the previous ones as really enjoyed this.
Former teenage runaway and new single mother Nadia Armstrong moves to Kingston to turn her life around. But six months after she rents a low-end apartment, her body is found on a concrete slab at an isolated construction site. Major Crimes begins piecing together her last days, uncertain if this is a case of suicide or murder. To make matters more difficult, a member of the team is leaking information to reporter Marci Stokes, putting Staff Sergeant Rouleau in a precarious position.
Meanwhile, Officer Kala Stonechilds niece, Dawn, is secretly corresponding with her father, whos out on early parole. Dawn isnt sure what he wants, especially when he turns up in town uninvited. Dawns friend Vanessa is also keeping a dangerous secret her relationship with an older man named Leo, who preys on young girls. And its not long before he has Dawn in his sights.
*Disclosure - I received a free copy for purposes of an honest review; Thank you NetGalley and Dundurn for the eARC.*
I have not read any other books in this series and this has not hindered me in any way with how I was able to pick up with the already established characters. The author did a great job of giving me just enough to give the story depth with back story tidbits.
This book has plenty of twists and turns to it to keep you engrossed from the start. I like the story-line of this book and it had relevant topics; sadly things that are happening daily in our world.
I dont want to give too much away to the story-line but will say completely hooked me and a very surprise ending but also sad.
Will be reading the previous ones as really enjoyed this.
Billie Wichkan (118 KP) rated Conviction in Books
May 22, 2019
From 'the woman who may be Britains finest living crime novelist' (Daily Telegraph), Conviction stars a strong female protagonist who is obsessed by true-crime podcasts and decides, one day, to investigate one of the unsolved crimes herself.
Its just a normal morning for Anna McDonald. Gym kits, packed lunches, getting everyone up and ready. Until she opens the front door to her best friend, Estelle. Anna turns to see her own husband at the top of the stairs, suitcase in hand. Theyre leaving together and theyre taking Annas two daughters with them.
Left alone in the big, dark house, Anna cant think, she cant take it in. With her safe, predictable world shattered, she distracts herself with a story: a true-crime podcast. Theres a sunken yacht in the Mediterranean, multiple murders and a hint of power and corruption. Then Anna realises she knew one of the victims in another life. She is convinced she knows what happened. Her past, so carefully hidden until now, will no longer stay silent.
This is a murder she cant ignore, and she throws herself into investigating the case. But little does she know, her past and present lives are about to collide, sending everything she has worked so hard to achieve into freefall.
This is my first read by Denise Mina and it won't be my last.
What a brilliant read this was. Wow what an opening this had with it.
This definitely psychological thriller and very chilling.
Loved the writing style and the plot of this story.
Really enjoyed the characters and couldn't stop reading til finished as I just had to know.
Recommend reading!
My thanks to Random House U.K. Vintage Publishing for an eARC via NetGalley and this is my honest voluntary review.
Its just a normal morning for Anna McDonald. Gym kits, packed lunches, getting everyone up and ready. Until she opens the front door to her best friend, Estelle. Anna turns to see her own husband at the top of the stairs, suitcase in hand. Theyre leaving together and theyre taking Annas two daughters with them.
Left alone in the big, dark house, Anna cant think, she cant take it in. With her safe, predictable world shattered, she distracts herself with a story: a true-crime podcast. Theres a sunken yacht in the Mediterranean, multiple murders and a hint of power and corruption. Then Anna realises she knew one of the victims in another life. She is convinced she knows what happened. Her past, so carefully hidden until now, will no longer stay silent.
This is a murder she cant ignore, and she throws herself into investigating the case. But little does she know, her past and present lives are about to collide, sending everything she has worked so hard to achieve into freefall.
This is my first read by Denise Mina and it won't be my last.
What a brilliant read this was. Wow what an opening this had with it.
This definitely psychological thriller and very chilling.
Loved the writing style and the plot of this story.
Really enjoyed the characters and couldn't stop reading til finished as I just had to know.
Recommend reading!
My thanks to Random House U.K. Vintage Publishing for an eARC via NetGalley and this is my honest voluntary review.
Billie Wichkan (118 KP) rated Duncan in Books
May 22, 2019
A cunning pederastic serial killer nicknamed Santa is making his way up the East Coast from New Orleans to Boston, leaving a trail of young bodies in his wake. Santa covers his tracks along the way by working as an itinerant bass player in a series of jazz combos. At the same time, the Driscoll family Mark, Julie and their nine-year-old son Nate who live in an upstate suburb of Syracuse, New York, struggle to come to grips with Moms quadriplegia following a horrific auto accident. The suspense builds to a fever pitch as these two plot strands approach each other for the inevitable confrontation. All this tension is heightened by the mystery of Duncan, Nates stuffed-toy gorilla, who is not only the boys beloved companion but becomes a kind of family totem, and, later on in the story, so much more.
Trigger warning for pedophilia, disability, murder, and so forth
This is a novel not only for readers addicted to thrill rides and maddening suspense, but also those who are curious about the abnormal psychology of the pedophiliac killer. The book gives food for thought as well as a kind of perverse satisfaction for the imagination and senses. It is a thinking readers thriller.
There are some graphic scenes that would make any normal human uncomfortable to say the least.
I loved how Mr. McCort portrays the heart-warming relationship dynamics within the Driscoll family. Oh I did love Duncan too!
The book also delivers on its' promise to the insight of the killers mind as well (the diabolical Santa).
Disturbing but excellent read.
Recommend reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Trigger warning for pedophilia, disability, murder, and so forth
This is a novel not only for readers addicted to thrill rides and maddening suspense, but also those who are curious about the abnormal psychology of the pedophiliac killer. The book gives food for thought as well as a kind of perverse satisfaction for the imagination and senses. It is a thinking readers thriller.
There are some graphic scenes that would make any normal human uncomfortable to say the least.
I loved how Mr. McCort portrays the heart-warming relationship dynamics within the Driscoll family. Oh I did love Duncan too!
The book also delivers on its' promise to the insight of the killers mind as well (the diabolical Santa).
Disturbing but excellent read.
Recommend reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Billie Wichkan (118 KP) rated The House in Books
May 22, 2019
Sadie, Fin, and their two children were a perfectly ordinary family. Even if Fin felt taken for granted sometimes. Even if their introverted son, Liam, had terrible nightmares and knew things he shouldn't.
But everything changes the night Sadie is viciously assaulted by former client Lance Sherry. Sherry knows where they live, and when the police fail to catch him, Sadie and Fin are forced to run. They think they've found the perfect place to start over. The house is everything Fin dreamed of, but as they settle in, Sadie discovers their home may not be what it seems, and daughter Lucy's imaginary friend might not be imaginary at all. Or even a friend. With Lance Sherry hunting them, the house could be the least of their problems. He's coming to finish what he started. And he won't stop until he finds Sadie.
This is the kind of book that is not easy to review because you dont want to give anything away.
There is a paranormal element to this, but its almost more evil than what you think about a normal haunting with ghosts. And there is also a real life evil person the characters have to deal with so its a lot on their plates.
The combination of the real and the paranormal was a nice touch.
For the most part, the story is told from both heroines point of view, but at times the reader is also privy to whats going on in little Liams head as well as the villains.
This was a great read to me and I really enjoyed it.
Recommend reading.
Copy provided by the publisher, Bold Strokes Books, via NetGalley.
But everything changes the night Sadie is viciously assaulted by former client Lance Sherry. Sherry knows where they live, and when the police fail to catch him, Sadie and Fin are forced to run. They think they've found the perfect place to start over. The house is everything Fin dreamed of, but as they settle in, Sadie discovers their home may not be what it seems, and daughter Lucy's imaginary friend might not be imaginary at all. Or even a friend. With Lance Sherry hunting them, the house could be the least of their problems. He's coming to finish what he started. And he won't stop until he finds Sadie.
This is the kind of book that is not easy to review because you dont want to give anything away.
There is a paranormal element to this, but its almost more evil than what you think about a normal haunting with ghosts. And there is also a real life evil person the characters have to deal with so its a lot on their plates.
The combination of the real and the paranormal was a nice touch.
For the most part, the story is told from both heroines point of view, but at times the reader is also privy to whats going on in little Liams head as well as the villains.
This was a great read to me and I really enjoyed it.
Recommend reading.
Copy provided by the publisher, Bold Strokes Books, via NetGalley.
ArecRain (8 KP) rated One Knight Only (League of the Blade, #2) in Books
Jan 18, 2018
This was a cute little romance that I enjoyed the character that was all its own. There was nothing new about the plotline, a female wants to prove shes just as capable as one else (especially me) while her knight in shining armor tries his best to protect her from everything from highwaymen to assassins to spiders crawling in her shoes. It was just like any other romance about a knight falling in love with a maiden, and yet, Lathom added her own little touch of style to it to make it unique.
The story starts out with Anne Kendall masquerading as a woman of high society to save said women from being assassinated for information she knows. An organization called the League of the Blade considers Annes protection as one of their many duties for the betterment of the kingdom. Meanwhile, Sir Philip Clifford is acting like a pouting brat because he was not asked to join the League, which has been his lifelong goal. He first meets Anne at her mistresss house and they begin to become acquainted with each other even though Philip does not bed Anne, much to her humiliation. He tries to forget her as just a passing interest, and she tries to forget her feelings for him because she realizes she was just a skirt to him. Or so they think.
When Philip runs into her again masquerading as the widowed Lady Rosamond Wolsingham, they realize they that, basically, they still want in each others pant. After creeping into the window of her inn room, Philip doesnt really give her a choice in whether he travels with her in her journey to the king. Adventure ensues.
While I didnt find this novel particularly fascinating, it was still enjoyable.
The story starts out with Anne Kendall masquerading as a woman of high society to save said women from being assassinated for information she knows. An organization called the League of the Blade considers Annes protection as one of their many duties for the betterment of the kingdom. Meanwhile, Sir Philip Clifford is acting like a pouting brat because he was not asked to join the League, which has been his lifelong goal. He first meets Anne at her mistresss house and they begin to become acquainted with each other even though Philip does not bed Anne, much to her humiliation. He tries to forget her as just a passing interest, and she tries to forget her feelings for him because she realizes she was just a skirt to him. Or so they think.
When Philip runs into her again masquerading as the widowed Lady Rosamond Wolsingham, they realize they that, basically, they still want in each others pant. After creeping into the window of her inn room, Philip doesnt really give her a choice in whether he travels with her in her journey to the king. Adventure ensues.
While I didnt find this novel particularly fascinating, it was still enjoyable.
ArecRain (8 KP) rated The Duke's Night of Sin (Seven Deadly Sins, #3) in Books
Jan 18, 2018
Wow, I immediately feel in love with this book. Out of the three novels out in this series, I felt that this was the most developed and had more plot than the other two, which actually isn't saying much. Of course, I am a huge fan of erotica, and this book started out steamy. Although, I found it completely ridiculous that she allowed Sebastian to have sex with her in the library when she did not even know who he was. Not only that, but she wouldn't allow him to pull out when he ejaculated. I highly doubt anyone can be that
empty headed. I could be wrong though.
After realizing just how much she screwed up, Siusan suitably freaks out and decides to stay low. When Sebastian uses Priscillas stocking to track Siusan all the way to her house, Siusan realizes she needs to get the hell out of Dodge before her scandal is exposed to the world. She then ends up at Sebastians wards school. More chaos ensues when Sebastian shows up at the school, although he has no idea who Siusan really is. After some bantering, Sebastian gives Siusan the idea to publish a novel of how to be a proper later which proves to be very successful. Even though they are completely unaware of the others true identity, the two begin to fall in love.
While I found the plot to be slighty ridiculous, I still enjoyed to reading the novel. It was one of those novels that I kept reading just because I wanted to read about Siusan and Sebastian getting together. I knew it was going to happen, I just wanted to read it unfold.
After realizing just how much she screwed up, Siusan suitably freaks out and decides to stay low. When Sebastian uses Priscillas stocking to track Siusan all the way to her house, Siusan realizes she needs to get the hell out of Dodge before her scandal is exposed to the world. She then ends up at Sebastians wards school. More chaos ensues when Sebastian shows up at the school, although he has no idea who Siusan really is. After some bantering, Sebastian gives Siusan the idea to publish a novel of how to be a proper later which proves to be very successful. Even though they are completely unaware of the others true identity, the two begin to fall in love.
While I found the plot to be slighty ridiculous, I still enjoyed to reading the novel. It was one of those novels that I kept reading just because I wanted to read about Siusan and Sebastian getting together. I knew it was going to happen, I just wanted to read it unfold.
Gareth von Kallenbach (971 KP) rated Planet 51 (2009) in Movies
Aug 8, 2019
On a planet far from our own, green creatures are experiencing their own version of the 1950’s. Among them is Lem (Justin Long) who has just gotten his first job as an assistant at the local planetarium. When a space ship appears harboring an alien, human astronaut Captain Charles T. Baker (Dwayne Johnson), the fearful locals are not so friendly. It is up to Lem to save the astronaut and help his people learn not to fear the world beyond what they know.
The film is written for both children and adults, like a toned down version of “Shrek†with a more relevant moral feel. Putting the characters in the 1950s adds to the film’s charm, allowing kids access to the blatant characterizations of the time period, such as the bumbling science professor and the hippy protestor who maintains from the start that the alien is friendly.
Other characters of note are Lem’s comic book and movie fanatic best friend, Skiff (Seann William Scott) and the military commander General Grawl (Gary Oldman) who is hell-bent on capturing the alien. Children will also enjoy the two pet creatures from a local alien dog that excretes acid to a rock-obsessed robot sent to pick up local specimens for Baker.
“Planet 51†is wholly entertaining. It provides some mature insight by displaying how we would appear to another culture if we ever did encounter aliens. This switch of perspective is sure to make children think and laugh over the simple cross-cultural mishaps that occur while Lem and Baker are attempting to find common ground.
A delightful, animated romp, “Planet 51†will make you hope for a groovy 1960’s sequel.
The film is written for both children and adults, like a toned down version of “Shrek†with a more relevant moral feel. Putting the characters in the 1950s adds to the film’s charm, allowing kids access to the blatant characterizations of the time period, such as the bumbling science professor and the hippy protestor who maintains from the start that the alien is friendly.
Other characters of note are Lem’s comic book and movie fanatic best friend, Skiff (Seann William Scott) and the military commander General Grawl (Gary Oldman) who is hell-bent on capturing the alien. Children will also enjoy the two pet creatures from a local alien dog that excretes acid to a rock-obsessed robot sent to pick up local specimens for Baker.
“Planet 51†is wholly entertaining. It provides some mature insight by displaying how we would appear to another culture if we ever did encounter aliens. This switch of perspective is sure to make children think and laugh over the simple cross-cultural mishaps that occur while Lem and Baker are attempting to find common ground.
A delightful, animated romp, “Planet 51†will make you hope for a groovy 1960’s sequel.
MaryAnn (14 KP) rated Mission Hollywood: A Red Carpet Romance in Books
Nov 4, 2019
What could possibly go wrong?
Movie star Ben Prescott arrives back in Hollywood after causing a scandal with his ex-girlfriend in Rome. Chased through the airport by paparazzi, he jumps into a limo hoping for a quick getaway. Instead he finds Lily Shaw, a pastors daughter and preschool teacher. When the paparazzi capture a photo of the two of them together, Bens agent demands that he do whatever it takes to keep the story from hitting the gossip pages . . . even volunteer to work at Lilys church.
Sparks fly as the movie star and the pastors daughter work side by side. When Lily accompanies Ben to the premiere of his latest movie, Hollywood takes notice. Under intense media scrutiny and pressure from the movie industry, Ben must risk his career to follow his heart, but Lily wants the one thing he doesnt have, faith.
Mission Hollywood is an inspirational story about love, faith, and second chances.
Click here to get your copy!
My Thoughts: This is a wonderful story of learning to trust God in everything. It's learning to let the past go and learning to lean on God for everything. This is a charming story of how God brings two people from different walks of life together, and in the midst of it all, brings Ben back to trusting in God.
A truly wonderful romance novel with a lesson of truth in it. I found the characters to be believable and easy to identify with. The writer has done an excellent job of bringing the reader into the story and connecting with the characters. The plot is fun and keeps the reader interested. I really enjoyed this novel and will look forward to more from Michelle Keener.
Movie star Ben Prescott arrives back in Hollywood after causing a scandal with his ex-girlfriend in Rome. Chased through the airport by paparazzi, he jumps into a limo hoping for a quick getaway. Instead he finds Lily Shaw, a pastors daughter and preschool teacher. When the paparazzi capture a photo of the two of them together, Bens agent demands that he do whatever it takes to keep the story from hitting the gossip pages . . . even volunteer to work at Lilys church.
Sparks fly as the movie star and the pastors daughter work side by side. When Lily accompanies Ben to the premiere of his latest movie, Hollywood takes notice. Under intense media scrutiny and pressure from the movie industry, Ben must risk his career to follow his heart, but Lily wants the one thing he doesnt have, faith.
Mission Hollywood is an inspirational story about love, faith, and second chances.
Click here to get your copy!
My Thoughts: This is a wonderful story of learning to trust God in everything. It's learning to let the past go and learning to lean on God for everything. This is a charming story of how God brings two people from different walks of life together, and in the midst of it all, brings Ben back to trusting in God.
A truly wonderful romance novel with a lesson of truth in it. I found the characters to be believable and easy to identify with. The writer has done an excellent job of bringing the reader into the story and connecting with the characters. The plot is fun and keeps the reader interested. I really enjoyed this novel and will look forward to more from Michelle Keener.